Norfolk, England – Tidal erosion has exposed a mysterious Bronze Age structure on a beach in Norfolk captivating archaeologists and pagans alike. The monument, known as Seahenge, and officially as Holme I, consists of an upturned oak stump surrounded by 55 split oak trunks. New research suggests the site, along with a nearby structure called Holme II, was created for climate rituals during a period of severe winters.
Constructed in the late spring of 2049 BCE, Seahenge was originally built on a salt marsh far from the shore. Protected by sand dunes and mud flats, the timbers were preserved by peat. For millennia, the monument remained buried under silt and sand until it was uncovered by shifting tides, highlighting rising sea levels.
Beachcomber John Lorimer first discovered Seahenge by spotting a Bronze Age ax head and later observing the wooden ring and tree stump. In 1999, archaeologists began excavating the site to preserve it, despite protests from pagans and locals who wanted it to remain undisturbed. The excavation succeeded, and Seahenge is now displayed at Lynn Museum.
Holme II, located about 100 meters away, has been left in situ but has suffered significant erosion. Archaeologist David Nance from the University of Aberdeen proposes that both structures were created to address climate challenges. According to Nance, the timbers were arranged to align with the summer solstice sunrise, believed to capture the essence of the cuckoo, a fertility symbol, to extend the summer.
Nance suggests Holme II contained a human body, possibly a ritually sacrificed consort of the Venus deity. These sacrifices, thought to occur every eight years at Samhain (now Halloween), were intended to ensure community well-being. Fixtures in Holme II were oriented towards the sunrise on Samhain in 2049 BCE, aligning with Venus’s visibility.
These findings offer insights into the rituals and beliefs of Bronze Age societies, revealing how they responded to severe climate conditions. The uncovering of Seahenge and Holme II not only enhances our understanding of ancient civilizations but also underscores the historical impact of climate on human culture.
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